Finding units to lease in Melbourne goes like this:
1) You search the units available in websites such as http://www.realestate.com.au. You can refine your search by stating which suburb you would prefer, how many bedrooms, your budget, etc.
2) From the search result, click to see the details of the unit.
3) You can find out some general descriptions of the unit, such as what are the facilities available (laundry, kitchen, etc.), number of bedrooms/bathroom/carport/etc, the rental payment per week, agent contact details, etc etc etc etc, and the inspection time.
4) If you wish to inspect the unit, note down the inspection date and time. But I heard some cases where you can call the agent and ask them whether they can inspect the unit earlier. But usually, they strictly follow the inspection date and time.
5) One the inspection date and time, the agent will be there at the unit and open the doors to whoever who wish to check the unit out. Usually, you have at most 15 minutes to inspect the unit and ask questions.
6) If you like it, grab the application form, fill it up and then fax/pass it to them by the next working day.
7) Along with your application form, you need some supportive documents to give you points. The points system is different for different agents. Usually, you will need 100 points attached along with your application. Vic Roads (driving license) usually carries the most weight (about 40-50 points). Medicare (government medical card) can give you about 20-30 points. Passport, about 20-30 points. Water/electricity/phone bills do carry some weight, about 30-40 points. For people like me (jobless, carless, bankless, etc.), it's very difficult to achieve 100 points. So, I will have to leverage on my hubby to get it.
8) Pray hard that you will get the unit!! Competition is very high, especially on well-maintained, clean, new, and strategically located units.
9) The agent will call/email you on your application result within a few days.
Some tips for looking at good units:
1) New, clean, well-maintained. While searching on the website, look for the keywords "newly renovated", "new refurbished", "newly painted", "new carpets", etc. I'm very fussy with the cleanliness of the house where I'll be spending half of my day relaxing. We've inspected MANY units which are cheap, BUT very old and very dirty. The paint of the walls and ceiling were peeling, there were strange dark-green, sticky patches of new species growing in the bathroom, the bathtub was almost black in colour, cabinets were cracking, the carpets were black, and so on. Some even smell weird!
2) Carports. Most units for rental does not even come with a carport. So, make sure you shortlist the ones with carports. If you love your car, make sure there is a covered carport. Do take note that the weather in Melbourne is very harsh.
3) Public transport. If you take public transport to work, make sure that there is a tram/train station in a walkable distance. Ok ok, technically speaking, you can walk to anywhere and everywhere.
4) Kitchen facilities. Gas cooking facilities and induction cooking... you choose your preference.
5) Laundry facilities. We really would want a private laundry facility, i.e.: there's a private washing machine installed, or you can install your own private washing machine. There are some units where they do not have those washing machine taps. So, you can NOT install your own washing machine in your unit. You have to use a communal/public laundry facility.
6) Internet ports. Old units usually do not come with internet ports. So, you may need to install them yourself. This is just a nice-to-have to save you from the hassle of installing internet ports.
7) Heating/Cooling system. another GOOD nice-to-have. You'll appreciate it during cold winter time and super hot summer season.
8) Security. You may want to look into those units which provide you a good security system.
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